SNAP Cost of Living Adjustment Update Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries will see a change to their benefits due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that occurs at the start of every federal fiscal year (Oct. 1). Learn more about the upcoming changes here: https://dhs.ri.gov/programs-and-services/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/supplemental-nutrition-0
Interpretation Services Available If you are seeking information about DHS programs and services in a language other than English, please be advised that interpretation services and/or interpreters are available to you at no cost. Persons with disabilities requiring another form of communication, such as auxiliary aids for hearing and the visually impaired, can inform DHS about their needs so appropriate accommodations can be made.
Eligibility & How to Apply Am I eligible for GPA? Rhode Island residents who are age 18 and over can apply for GPA. To be eligible, a person must: Have an illness, injury, or medical condition that is expected to last 30 days or more and prevents a person from working Have a monthly income limit of $327/month for an individual and $449/month for a couple Have resources $400 or less Have only one automobile with a value of less than $4,650 Cannot be eligible for other federal assistance programs, except for SNAP benefits (food stamps) Cannot have a child under 18 living with the applicant Cannot be pregnant Who isn't eligible? Any individual who has been determined eligible for SSI Any individual who is eligible or who would, but for income and resources, be eligible for Rhode Island Works (RIW) program cash assistance Certain persons who are in the care of, confined by, or in the custody of another State Agency such as: the Department of Corrections, the Department of Children, Youth and Families or the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH) How much can I receive? GPA-Bridge recipients may receive up to $200 per month while their federal SSI application is pending GPA-Hardship recipients may receive up to $100 per month ($50 bi-weekly) GPA-Burial recipients can receive up to $900 for burial service costs How long can I get GPA for? Once eligibility is determined for GPA applicants, initial eligibility: may be granted for a period of up to six (6) months and/or renewable for a period of up to an additional six (6) months In order to receive GPA for a period greater than twelve (12) months, individuals must re-apply for General Public Assistance. How do I apply? You can apply using the online Customer Portal, by phone (number below) or by filling out a paper application. All can be found on our Apply Now page. The state’s Medical Assistance Review Team (MART) must also determine whether the applicant is disabled before being approved for GPA-Bridge. What do I need to do for financial assistance through GPA-Burial? Here is a helpful checklist for families and individuals applying for GPA-Burial GPA Burial Application Fillable Form Here is a helpful checklist to help funeral homes with GPA-Burial assistance GPA Burial Funeral Home Checklist Fillable Form How do I appeal? Find out how to appeal here. For more information... Call 1-855-MY-RIDHS (1-855-697-4347) or TTY 1-800-745-5555 (for hearing impaired).